CCAD Student Designers: Jeein Shin

Jeein Shin has her mother to thank for getting to this point. And she'll be able to. Mom's flying in from South Korea, where Shin grew up, to see next weekend's fashion show.

Jeein Shin has her mother to thank for getting to this point. And she'll be able to. Mom's flying in from South Korea, where Shin grew up, to see next weekend's fashion show.

"I used to draw all the time," Shin said. But she never thought of fashion as a career until her mom urged her to look into it, and she's glad she did. "I don't know why I didn't make the connection," she added, laughing.

After hearing good things about CCAD's fashion program, the Florida high-schooler was wowed during a visit with her mom.

For her senior thesis course, Shin tested herself by trying to create intricate pieces that look easy. She drew inspiration from the circus entertainers. "It was all about the performers ... the intense training for years and years just to put on this one show that looks so effortless," Shin said.

She also wanted to make sure she represented herself in her work. So she spent hours handpainting colorful designs on yards of silk for a dress, and integrated part of her South Korean grandmother's blue curtain - it's featured on the back of the jacket she's pictured with.

"I would love to do this for the rest of my life, but if not, I just want to show this is what I can offer," Shin said.

She's got the immediate future figured out: After graduation, she starts as a designer with Abercrombie. Shin completed a one-year internship with the clothing company as a student.

How would you describe your collection? Detailed designs full of movement, just like circus performers